How to Choose Guitar Strings
In this lesson, learn how to choose guitar strings that will suit your playing style and skill level.
What is string gauge?
String gauge refers to the thickness or specifically the diameter of a guitar string. String diameters are defined in thousandths of an inch...for example: .010 would be ten thousandths of an inch. As you probably know, the high E string is the thinnest string on the guitar, and the low E string is the thickest. Therefore, the high E will have the smallest diameter and the low E will have the largest diameter.
When you walk into a guitar store, you might hear a customer ask, "I'd like a set of '10's' for electric guitar". The customer is referring to the gauge of the first string. .010" (Ten thousandths of an inch).
Below, you'll see a package of 10's and a package of 9's
How do I Choose Guitar Strings for my skill level?
When a beginner first chooses guitar strings (for electric guitar), he/she should choose either 9's (extra light) or 10's (regular light). This is the most common size string gauge for playing rock, blues, pop, country. 9's will be easier to bend. However, because beginners sometimes bend strings when they shouldn't, they might want to avoid 9's. I would recommend 10's for every level of player. Intermediate to Advanced guitar players should experiment with both 9's and 10's.
The feeling you'll get with 9's or 10's will also differ depending on what kind of guitar you use. You can bend strings much easier on guitars with a longer scale length, such as Gibson. So, you might want to choose a heavier string gauge (10's or even 11's). This way you obtain a fatter guitar tone (heavier strings will get you more mid and low frequencies than thinner strings). Fender guitars have shorter scale length, so you should start by choosing thinner strings.
Some Great Guitar Players and String Gauge
Stevie Ray Vaughan used 13's! Now, keep in mind that he tuned all of his strings down a 1/2 step (which reduces string tension and makes the strings feel more like 11's or 12's).
Jeff Beck uses 9's
Buddy Guy uses 10's
B.B. King uses 10's or 11's.
Albert Collins used 9's
There are many different guitar string brands to from which to choose. I've tried most all of the brands out there, and
D'Addario
is by far the most consistent. The string gauge that you are buying will always be right on, where as other brands will have inconsistencies.
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